KATHMANDU: As spring arrives, the hills of Bajura in Sudurpaschim Province are being transformed by the vibrant bloom of rhododendrons, locally known as laligurash. By the first week of March, these striking red flowers have begun to blossom across the forested hills, giving the landscape a reddish hue.

The sight of these blooming rhododendrons captivates anyone who visits the area. Children, in particular, eagerly make their way to the hills on weekends to pick the flowers and enjoy their beauty. Local schools also use rhododendrons to create garlands, which are presented to guests during special programs.

The blooming flowers also attract both domesticated and wild bees, which gather nectar to produce honey.

The hilly districts of Sudurpaschim Province—Bajura, Bajhang, Doti, Achham, Baitadi, Darchula, and Dadeldhura—celebrate the Holi festival with great enthusiasm, and this year, the festival will be observed on March 13 in the region. Locals often fashion garlands from rhododendrons to mark the occasion.

During Holi, people wear these rhododendron garlands while playing traditional musical instruments like the Pijura, a cymbal-like brass instrument. Women head into the forests to gather the flowers, which are then strung into garlands for the men to wear during the celebrations. The bright red flowers beautifully complement the white attire worn during Holi, making the garlands a beloved part of the festival.

The stunning rhododendron blossoms also attract visitors from outside the region. Some locals pick the flowers to eat, while others use them as decorative pieces. As Nepal’s national flower, rhododendron holds significant cultural value. During February and March, many children gather the flowers to sell to tourists.

Tourists and outsiders are often enchanted by the flowers. Similarly, local women, while gathering firewood and fodder in the forests, bring rhododendrons back home to delight their children.

Even infants seem to favor playing with the flowers over nursing, often clutching the rhododendron blooms in their tiny hands while feeding.